Horam & Vines Cross Village Diary

Kindness WinsTrust

Christ Church Fellowship

Invites you to come and join us Tuesday 26th September at 2pm.

Our speaker is Hannah from Open Doors.

Open Doors is an international ministry serving persecuted Christians and Churches worldwide.

The meeting will be followed by afternoon tea.

ALL are welcome.

Come and join us at Christ Church, Horebeech Lane, Horam, TN21 0DT

With over 19 years experience in the carpentry trade. I pride myself in producing quality work with excellent customer service. If you are looking to improve your home, I would be happy to help with the following:

Fitted kitchens and bathrooms ~ Skirting ~ Architrave ~ Flooring Internal and external doors ~ Bespoke wardrobes ~ Fitted furniture.

Please contact Nick Doxford on 07703195991 or email nick@njc-carpentry.co.uk Find more of my work on instagram njc_carpentry_

PODIATRIST & CHIROPODIST

13 years specialist wound care NHS experience.

All aspects of podiatry & chiropody including:

Toenail cutting * Ingrowing toenails

Corns & calluses * Cracked heels

Athlete's foot * Verrucae therapies

Foot pain * Insoles & orthotics

Diabetic footcare & assessment

Appointments at the address formerly known as Horam Natural Therapy Centre and home visits available.

Mara Ragaiolo BSC (Hons) Podiatry. HCPC registered and member of the College of Podiatry.

Mob: 077031 56799

Horam Natural Therapy Centre, High Street, Horam, TN21 0EL.

Chimney Sweep

Sadly, due to Victorian health & safety regulations, only children of under 14” shoulder measurement may be employed.

A Clean Sweep - your local chimney sweep

Make sure your fireplace is safe with a professional sweep.

• All types of residential chimneys swept.

• Wood & multi-fuel stoves cleaned and serviced.

• Inspection & preparation of all chimneys for stove installation.

• Bird guards & cowls fitted.

• RSPB nominated bird removal man for East Sussex.

• Smoke test & certification for every sweep.

• Member of Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps (APICS).

• Now certified woodburner installer.

Ross Atabey on 01435 812153/07941 315214

Email: acleansweep009@gmail.com

acleansweephoram

MARIA SMITH SPORTS & REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPY

How can sports massage help you?

-relieves tension

-improves circulation

-enhances wellbeing

-eases sore/tight muscles

-improves joint mobility

-increase flexibility & range of motion

Fully air conditioned studio in Horam or mobile service available.

Appointments: 1 hour = £40 45 minutes = £35

Each massage caters for your needs – relax and unwind!

Tel: 07786 220179 Email: mariasmassage21@gmail.com

Website: mariasmassage.co.uk

Pilates Classes in Horam

Exercising in a relaxed atmosphere enjoying the fun that exercise produces through the release of endorphins.

Please book your space with Nancy on 07881 941360 or email at nancyprocterpilates@gmail.com www.nancyprocterpilates.com

For a brochure please call Jane on 01435 813418 / 07817 429594 or email:

janeappleby691@gmail.com

Ray Wicker - for all your Double glazing and Carpentry needs!

Double glazing:

• Replacement of windows and doors in UPVC, aluminium and timber.

• Service & repairs to your existing double glazed windows eg replace old misted glass units, replace broken handles, hinges and locks, re-trim and seal old windows.

• Install UPVC fascia, soffit and guttering - full replacment or cap over.

• Install new or replace shiplap cladding in UPVC or timber.

Carpentry:

• Hang doors, fit door liners, architrave, locks, handles skirting etc.

• Custom built in wardrobes/shelves, build flat pack furniture etc.

• Stud walls, insulation board, plasterboard.

• Build garden sheds, summer houses, garden decking etc.

• Fit curtain poles and blinds.

• Replace kitchen/bathroom silicone.

• Install new kitchen carcases, doors etc.

All jobs considered big or small. Please call Ray Wicker on 07960 503844

• perfect venue, access onto extensive grounds

• banqueting package (up to 104 people, 36 hours)

• make it your own (extend hall with marquee, playground for children) - have a brilliant day

• you won’t believe how competitive our rate is

• book it online, pay us a visit...

HORAM PARISH COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 2023

The window for charities and organisations to apply for a grant this year will run from 1st September until 9th October. All the information is now available on the website listed under Community Grants. The grants are available to support initiatives in the local community and to help create opportunities for the residents of Horam.

Please report any crimes or anti-social behaviour to the police through 101. They cannot investigate an incident unless there is a crime report.

Parish Council meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at the Horam Centre at 7.30pm. There is a public session at the beginning of the meeting where any members of the public can speak on any item on the agenda. The agenda is published on the parish council website and the notice boards in the Horam Centre window and in the village at least 3 clear days before the meeting.

Please keep Friday 13th October free in your diaries for the Parish Council Open Evening which will be held in the Horam Village Hall from 7-9pm. It will provide an opportunity to meet your local councillors and talk about issues that matter to you. There will also be representatives from East Sussex County Council and Wealden District Council to explain how the different tiers of local government work.

The parish council office hours are:

Tuesday: 9.30am – 12.30pm

Wednesday: 9.30am – 12.30pm

Thursday: 9.30am – 12.30pm

Friday: 10.00am – 1.00pm

You can contact the Parish Council by email, post or telephone.

Parish Clerk: clerk@horam.com , 01435 812151 or 07900 576236

The Clerk

Horam Parish Council

The Horam Centre

High Street

Horam

East Sussex

Why didn’t Wealden District Council save a village asset?

The 3 parish councillors directly involved with this project were angry and very disappointed at the recent decision by Wealden District Council not to purchase Horam Manor Farm.

WDC had a 10-week window of exclusivity to purchase the farm. Horam Parish Councillors sitting prior to the election were fully aware and supportive of HPC involvement with this project.

HPC were hoping to run the 154-acre site as a country park for the benefit of the parish and the wider community of Wealden.

A rewilding project, wild camping and improving the buildings for the small businesses were some of the many other ideas coming forward.

HPC were not in a financial position to buy it outright but would hopefully be able to use CIL to have some stake/lease in this exciting prospect. The 3 HPC councillors had meetings with WDC officers, the owners and their agent and had several walks around the site.

Our previous district Councillors Mr Bob Bowdler and Mrs Susan Stedman were fully behind the idea and shared our disappointment.

There are question marks over who made this decision and why HPC only received a basic email explanation.

There was a chance HPC could buy WDC out at a later date … 3-5 years with CIL receipts and maybe loans.

Now it is back on the open market there will be commercial interest and the end result could be to the detriment to the wider community.

It would appear that Wealden are keen to build on our fields but not to give anything back despite their Health and Well-being Strategy stating that they want to “Improve residents mental and physical health and well-being by making it easier to be outdoors.”

We do believe a special thank you should go to Felicity Goulden for giving WDC/HPC an open OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE this farm before returning it to the open market.

Horam Parish Council

HORAM FUN DAY

The Fun Day was a successful event, attended by more people than usual, the weather was good not too hot. With over 30 stalls, the arena was active all afternoon starting with Skull Drummery, followed by Wealden Brass Playing during the afternoon, the Storm Troopers who were welcome visitors again, introduced by Wealden Brass playing Star Wars. A display from Diamond Dance, then the Skull Drummery did a second show, followed with a display by Boost Fit including an invite for the public and Storm Troopers who took part. A display by The Home Front Lindy Dance group included the public who enjoyed joining in. Finally, the arena closed with a parade of tractors and vehicles. The dog show was busy, 92 dogs took part, 205 entries over 10 classes.

Our thanks go to all who took part in the Fun Day and those involved in the organising also those that helped & gave support in any way, including the setting up and clearing away.

Thank you to all the sponsors. Horam Parish Council + Samuel & sons Horam + Rago Planters UK + Downwood Veterinary Centre + Horam Manor Caravan Park + Sellers Leisure + Ana’s Flowers + Tao Technology + Gloss Dog Grooming + The Pet Food Shop Heathfield + Tails .com + Honey + Mc Adams (dog Foods) Waunchope & Wright Ltd. Electrical & Sussex County Garage Doors, and Thanks to all who have donated-Prizes - Time – Materials and the loan of equipment.

Distribution of the fund will be allocated at the closing meeting in August.

CLEAN WINDOWS WITH OUR PURE WATER SYSTEM.

We can clean all of the below up to 60ft.

Windows, solar panels, fascias, soffits & conservatories.

For a free no obligation quotation call or email us today! DBS Checked and approved.

Telephone Jason 01435 408048 ~ 07739 039944

Email: ascleaning@live.co.uk

ORCHARD FRAMING

www.orchardframing.co.uk

ORCHARD FRAMING BESPOKE FRAMERS

UNIT 4, MERRYDOWN BUSINESS PARK, DISCOVERY WAY, HORAM

( entrance opposite the village hall ) 01435 812075

All framing requirements covered, off the shelf frames and mounts.

Email: info@orchardframing.co.uk Closed Monday.

Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturday 9am - 1pm* 01435 812075

We don't just treat backs.....

• Neck & shoulder pain

• Sciatica

• Frozen shoulders & RSI

• Arthritis & joint stiffness

• Headaches & migraines

• Stress/tension

• Sports Injuries

• and much more....

Our Osteopaths are Specialists in:

• Baby, Mum & Child Osteopathy

• Cranial Osteopathy

• Animal Osteopathy

We are taking all necessary steps to keep our patients and us safe in light of Coronavirus, therefore your appointment may feel a little different if you have visited us before.

Ground floor premises with disabled access. Weekday, early evening & Saturday appointments available.

Call our dedicated booking line below to make an appointment. Located

v RESIDENTIAL CARE v DAYCARE v RESPITE CARE

‘Our aim is to provide each resident with a caring and secure environment and the means to live life to the full extent, with privacy, independence and dignity’.

En suite and garden view rooms available

For enquiries call us on 01435 812170

Vines Cross Road, Horam TN21 0HF

Catherine Hearne BSc (Hons) Ost, Nicola Leonard B.Ost DPO

SERVICES CLIFF MARCHANT HEATING

G

& PLUMBING

BATHROOMS S SHOWERS S CYLINDERS

T 01825 872998

M 07801 230678

e cliffmarchant@btinternet.com

Kate Raven

PROFESSIONAL CURTAIN MAKER

ALSO: BLINDS, CUSHIONS, CURTAINS, PELMETS, SWAGS AND TAILS. Tracks and poles supplied and fitted. Private tuition available.

KATE RAVEN - 07967 828389

PROFESSIONAL CURTAIN MAKER TO THE TRADE FOR 30 YEARS

Beavers, Cubs, Scouts Explorer, Paul Sutton, 01435 813023/07803 051048.

Bowling Club, Alan Archer, 01435 865536.

Cross In Hand Bridge Club, Jan Moore, 01435 863001.

Heathfield & Horam Football Club, Becki Chiweda 07366 034310.

Brownies, Mary Jones, 07814 373402.

Christ Church Fellowship, Pamela Blakey, 01435 810348.

Dementia Supper Clubs, Lyn Leeves, 07740 338120.

Diamond Dance, Lizzie Owen, 01435 812543/07985 306178.

Eastbourne & District Canine Society, Mrs Chris Cleland, 01323 506151.

Heathfield Choral Society, Chris Thompson, 01323 833921, chairman@heathfieldchoral.org.uk

Heathfield & District Horticultural Society, Nick Jeggo, 01435 830725.

Heathfield Folk & Dance Club, Joy Charlesworth, 01435 873551, sec@heathfieldfolk.org.uk

Heathfield Food & Wine Circle, Lorraine Cooley, 01435 812704.

Heathfield Road Runners, Fleur Blanford, 01435 812926, info@heathfieldroadrunners.com

Heathfield Bridge Club, Richard Gatwood, 01323 764384.

Heathfield Repair Cafe https://www.facebook.com/Repair_Cafe_TN21 or email us at heathfieldrepaircafe@outlook.com

Heathfield Silver Band, Mallory Hansford, 01435 862398, mallory@heathfieldsilverband.org

Horam Christian Care Group to Ann Procter 01435 812157.

Horam Parish Allotment Society, Carol Curd 01435 812756.

Horam Parish Council, Horam Centre, Jackie Cottrell, 01435 812151.

Horam Flower Show, Dave Cooley on 01435 812704

Horam Fun Day, Dave Sutton, 01435 812462/07889 652586.

Horam Guides, Jo Sutton, 01435 813023.

Horam & Heathfield Flower Club, Phyllis Stevens, 01435 863224.

Horam Pre-school, Angela Wood, 01435 813295.

Horam Tennis Club, Sara Goodacre, 07484 121445, horamtennisclub@gmail.com.

Horam Residents Group, Lucy Atabey, 01435 812153.

Horam Toddlers, Gill Delves, 01435 408405.

Horam Village Hall. For hire or information call Angela Wood on 01435 813295.

Horam WI, Kim Dunn, 01435 813942.

Manor Oak Surgery, 018255 732333. Out of hours Doctor, Between 8-8.30am 01825 732 333 & 6-6.30pm 0300 5555 252.

Non emergency medical, 111.

Non emergency police, 101.

Oxney Vines Cross Tug @ War, Mike Hutch, 07850 382619.

Pottery Club, Sue Ramsay-Smith, 01435 810390.

Rainbows, Brenda Macklin, 01435 812018.

RSPCA, 0300 1234 999.

The Kit Wilson Trust for Animal Welfare – 01825 830444.

Vines Cross Bonfire Society, Mark Woods, 07976 426286.

Vines Cross Community Association (VCCA) Ian Evans 07867 553440

Wealden Youth Choir, Tea Killick, 07808 222535.

Welcome Art Group, Lee Smith, 01435 862110.

• Curtains • Blinds

• Tracks & Poles

• Soft Furnishings

Free local measuring service

_________________

Tel: 01435 812768

email: flo.landais@icloud.com

l Curtains

l Blinds

l Tracks & Poles

l Soft Furnishings

Free local measuring service

Tel: 01435 812768

email: flo.landais@icloud.com

Here is a proof of your advertisement which will appear in this edition of Your Please check carefully. If you wish to amend your advertisemnt in any way, Your Little Black Book is produced in association with Page to Page Design Contact by e-mail: pagetopage7@gmail.com or telephone: 01435 868300.

FULLY INSURED FULLY INSURED HART

We will proceed to publish as shown above unless we receive any Thursday 18th October 2018

Motor Services

Thank you for advertising in Your Little Black Book.

Offering a friendly service with over 20 years experience. Car & trailer servicing, repairs & M.O.T’s.

Date Proofed: 09.03.18

Remarks:

TRAILER HIRE AVAILABLE. Car trailers, box trailers & horse boxes.

• Collection & delivery service. FREE within a 5 mile radius from garage.

• Courtesy car available if required.

Date Passed:

01435 408568

• Mini service.

• Full service.

• Diagnostics

• Holiday check from £20.

• Winter check from £20.

• Clutches, exhausts & brakes.

PLEASE NOTE

Follow the road out of Horam High Street to Maynards Green, turn left at the oast house Unit 18, Bridge Farm, Horam, East Sussex, TN21 0BP

If you are considering new copy or illustration changes, please forward Tuesday 16th October, otherwise your advertisement will printed

SUSSEX FREE RANGE EGGS

Buy from the hens at Riverside Farm, Laundry Lane, Vines Cross. Also available at Pomfrets Butchers, Spar Broad Oak & Davies & Son.

Tel 01435 812588

CONSUMER ADVICE: KEEP REFRIGERATED AFTER PURCHASE

Riverside Farm, Laundry Lane, Vines Cross, East Sussex TN21 9ED

Egg stamping explanation

0 = Organic, 1 = Free Range, 2 = Barn, 3 = Cage, UK = Origin, 99999 = Producer ID

The harvesting of fruit and the digging-in of dung should keep us busy in the garden through September. Apples and pears remaining on the branch may be picked just as soon as they will readily part from the tree, those allowed to fall will inevitably be bruised and bruises are fatal to the prospects of stored fruits, though not to the making of cider. Raspberries and blackberries may be pruned, cutting out all stems which have borne fruit this year. Main crop potatoes should be lifted as soon as the haulm dies down, there is nothing to be gained by leaving them in the ground and in the event of a wet spell there is every prospect of them making secondary growth. The digging-over and manuring of the ground starts this month, whilst there is warmth left in the soil for the dung to fester down before winter inertia sets in. The full benefits of dung may only be gained when applied with deep digging, the best results gained by trenching or ‘bastard digging’, which may seem a penance but only after a hard spell of bastard digging may we lean back against the shed to fully savour that long pipe whilst gloating over our strong work ethic.Traditionally animal manures have been the staple fare, the best is that which has been dry stored, the value of dung is greatly reduced when left for years in the elements. Avoid using dung which contains wood chippings or sawdust as these can be detrimental to the soil. Pig and sheep droppings are higher in nitrogen than horse and cow. For heavy soils, like those in our corner of the county, we should use strawy manures. The compost heap is a good substitute. The heap should be built up with alternating layers of green soft stuffs and slightly woody fibrous cuttings. If one has garden lime to hand, a sprinkling every six inches is helpful. Chicken guano will act as a great accelerator. Faster and better results are gained from a covered heap; a sheet of old corrugated iron or even sacks to keep out excessive rain and to keep in some heat. The compost is ready to use when it smells earthy. For very heavy soils we may contemplate the digging-in of shoddy, Christmas jumpers. For those of us that enjoy beach walks, we may fill our boots with seaweed, which makes an excellent addition to the soil. Green manures are a good substitute for dung, there are many varieties out there and the good gardener should always have a packet of seeds by them; whenever a patch becomes vacant it may be sown and the resulting growth dug in.

Those keen on onions will be sowing now, the reader having remembered to first prepare the ground with those dry-stored ashes saved from the wood burner. Lettuce and parsley for winter use may be sown on recently vacated ground, dug over but not manured. Evergreen shrubs, including hollies and conifers may be planted now. Rhododendrons may be transplanted but care must be taken to keep the roots from drying out.

Early bulbs may be planted, including crocuses, snowdrops, fritillaria and narcissi and also biennials such as wallflowers, foxgloves, canterbury bells and verbascum. Sweet peas may be treated as ordinary autumn-sown hardy annuals, the seeds sown outdoors now where they are to grow next year, choosing a sheltered and well drained spot.

Look to increase our stock in the borders by division of existing plants. Many fleshy-rooted perennials will take root after division now and may safely face the winter. If left for another six weeks they will be ready for slumber and will then lie inert in cold wet soil, possibly rotting off before the spring awakening. Michaelmas daisies now in flower may become heavy when wet, it is as well to stake these. Climbers such as clematis and wisteria may be cut back now. Climbing roses will lately have been sending up new shoots, these will bear the best flowers next year and should be tied in now as they are brittle and easily damaged by winter gales. More than ever, the hoe is your friend - September is the great month for weeds they will do great mischief if overlooked at this late stage.

SERVICES

07746933209

Ana's Flowers Horam

www.anasflowers.co.uk

RIVER MEAD NURSERY

Foords Lane, Vines Cross, Horam, East Sussex TN21 9HB

Telephone No. 01435 813353 Email – info@rivermeadnursery.co.uk

Website - www.rivermeadnursery.co.uk

We have a wide selection of plants:-

Bedding Plants, Herbs, Vegetable Plants, Perennials, Shrubs, Fruit Bushes, Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees, Grasses, Cacti, Agaves. Also available –

Home grown produce (seasonal vegetables, herbs, fruit, cut flowers and eggs).

Opening Times: Winter 9am-dusk Monday - Saturday

Development proposals continue to come forward in the Parish. In the last month (mid-July to mid-August), the following decisions, appeals and applications are notable:

Appeal decision - Clear View Farm, Chiddingly Road, Horam – An appeal against WDC’s refusal of planning permission for 51 residential dwellings, etc. (WDC ref WD/2022/1781/MAJ\) has been dismissed by a Planning Inspector. He found that: “the proposal would harm the character and appearance of the area due to its failure to integrate into its wider surroundings.” In essence, it was poorly designed.

Appeal submitted - Great Easterfields, Chiddingly Road, Horam –This is against the refusal by WDC for a redevelopment to provide 9 dwellings (WDC ref WD/2022/2705).

Outstanding appeals awaiting decision:

- for the demolition of Linda House, Little London Road, Horam and erection of 34 dwellings. (WDC reference WD/2021/2458/MAJ).

- Horam Manor Farm Bungalows, Horam Road, Horam in relation to the demolition of 2 derelict bungalows and erection of 6 dwellings (WDC ref WD/2022/1180/O);

Applications submitted:

Thistledown, Chiddingly Road, Horam (WDC ref. WD/2023/1828/MAJ) for 17 dwellings. Comments were invited by 22 August, but it will still be possible to make comments after this date if it has not yet been determined.

Cherry Orchard, Hanging Birch Lane, Horam (WDC ref WD/2023/1642/ PIP) This seeks permission for 4 detached dwellings with garages. This is a basic “in principle” type of application, available for smaller sites, just requiring information on the location, land use and amount of development. WDC has sought comments by 29 August.

Keeping up to date: Anyone can find out about planning applications submitted near them via the facility on the Wealden Weekly email notifications. It is also possible to receive notifications of updates on a particular application by searching for it, by reference number or address, on the WDC website and tapping Subscribe. ------------------------------------------------------------

Horam Neighbourhood Plan (HNP)

Following the public consultation, some further work is being carried out in response to consultees’ comments. An updated Plan will be submitted to WDC this Autumn.

David Marlow & Sue Lane (HNP Steering Group members)

1st Horam Scout Group

Charity No 1064375

ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE ANOTHER OF OUR

TEAMS OF UP TO SIX

AT

1 1ST HORAM SCOUT HQ.

SATURDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2023

7.15PM.FOR 7-30 PM START

£5 PER HEAD INCLUDES TEA/COFFEE

BRING YOUR OWN FOOD / DRINK

T TO BOOK CALL 01435 812462

Services for September:

Sun 3rd 10.30am Family Communion

(with children’s group yrs1-6)

Sun 10th 10.30am Family Worship

(with children’s group yrs1-6)

Sun 17th 10.00am Together@10Church for Everyone

(please see information elsewhere in the Diary)

Sun 24th 10.30am Family Worship

(with children’s group yrs1-6)

An audio copy of the Sunday morning reading & sermon is available on our website within 24hrs of each service.

Other Activities:

Crossways - drop-in for refreshments & chat (Wed 10.00-12.00 - 06/08/23)

Bible Study - Growth Groups

Jumping Beans - Parent & Toddler Group (term-time -Thursdays 10.00-11.30)

Fellowship Group (Tuesday 26th September at 2.00pm)

Supporting Horam Christian Care Group

If you’d like an opportunity of talking, or if you’d like us to pray for or with you, please contact us:

Vicar: Revd PJ Guy 01435 813372 vicar@christchurchhoram.org

Wardens: Maryanne Ford 01435 817769 Davina Jones 01323 844552

Hall Hire: Jane Thomas ‭01435 810398 www.christchurchhoram.org

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN HEATHFIELD & DISTRICT PRAYER VIGIL

For growing unity among Christians and other world issues.

Saturday 7th October, 9am to 7pm (concluding worship service at 6:40pm)

VENUE: UNION CHURCH

Come and join us for as long or short a time as you wish.

Everyone is welcome

Young at Heart is currently closed for August as we run from Heathfield Park Cricket Club and cricket takes over! Members get a break from us too and we hope enjoy the better weather that August brings - always unpredictable in England! We now have 10 local schools on board who are equally on holiday - Dallington, Punnetts Town, All Saints and St Richards, Skippers Hill, Bedes, Parkside, Maynards Green, Blackboys, Five Ashes and Little Tinkers Nursery School. Tremendous support for a small club like ours and it just wouldn’t work without them. Members hear the children read and we support their school topics. Nobody should be lonely! We restart on 5th September and it’s a free first session. Please come and join us - we would love to meet you! Kindly sponsored by Wealden Funeral Services and Trevaskis Consulting Ltd.

OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE

Jane Richmond - B.A., B.Sc (Hons) Ost

Bridgeford’s Best Bites: Osteopathy Tips

BACK PAIN

A common problem that affects most people at some time, mostly in the lower back (lumbago), though it can be felt anywhere in the spine. It may be triggered by strained muscles, tendons, or ligaments, wear and tear, bad posture, poor bending and lifting technique as well as stress. It is the leading cause of long-term sickness in UK causing more the 34 million lost workdays in 2019 due to back and neck pain. Although painful, it is not serious in most cases.

Symptoms: Pain, dull or sharp ache, tenderness, stiffness, weakness, numbness, or tingling (can travel down the leg in sciatica and disc problems). Joint pain when walking or stiffness first thing in the morning lasting more than half an hour may be a sign of arthritis. Indications that serious problems may exist are swelling, constant pain not eased by laying down, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in genitals, buttock or back passage, sudden weight loss, pain in the chest, high fever, or after an accident.

Causes: More serious causes are disc problems, sciatica, whiplash, frozen shoulder, ankylosing spondylitis; rare causes fractures, and cancer. Most cases are related to minor sprains, strains, injuries, or trapped, irritated nerves. Common causes developing over time are bad posture at work, driving, on the couch, bending, lifting, or twisting awkwardly, overstretching and overuse, and sleeping on a poor mattress. Risk factors are stress, smoking, pregnancy, overweight, long term corticosteroids.

Diagnosis: Your doctor will ask you to describe the pain and where you feel it, when it started, what makes it better or worse, and if it has happened in the past; also, about lifestyle and work. The examination will assess the range of movement in your back, ability to lift your legs, sit, stand, and walk, testing knee-jerk and ankle reflexes. You may be referred for an X-ray or MRI scan.

Treatment: In short-term back pain keep as active as possible, use hot and cold compression packs and over-the-counter painkillers. Immobility can weaken the back muscles and may hurt more in the long run. Staying relaxed and positive is important for recovery. Treatment for back pain lasting more than 6 weeks involves painkillers, exercise, and manual therapy, or acupuncture. In longerterm back pain counselling, antidepressants, or a pain clinic. Spinal surgery is only recommended when all else has failed or the pain is so severe that you cannot sleep or carry out daily activities.

Prevention: Maintain good posture at work, home, and play. Learn to lift, bend and twist safely. Exercise regularly without strain. Improve flexibility and strength, particularly in core muscles. Wear suitable shoes. Learn relaxation techniques if you are stressed. Maintain a healthy weight.

Osteopathic/Manual Management: Take a detailed case history to understand the nature of the problem and surrounding issues. Examine the spine and all surrounding tissues; muscles, ligaments, nerves, fascia, etc., for movement, strength, and functionality and assess nerve pathways. Perform orthopaedic and neurological tests and determine the root cause. Treat to improve strength, functionality, and movement and reduce tension, inflammation, pain, and swelling. Postural and ergo-

nomic advice regarding lifting, carrying, bending, twisting, sleeping, footwear, sitting at a desk, car, or couch, as well as rehabilitation exercises. Treatment may include manipulation, deep soft tissue massage, trigger point therapy, muscle energy techniques, fascial techniques, dry needling, etc.

Self Help: Stretching and strengthening are really important for your back health, though if you have problems, it is important to do the correct exercises and avoid aggravating the issue. Heat or cold may be helpful as well as some ointments, depending on what the issue is. This video on sciatica is good for opening the spine and will help most lower back issues https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=n0O_SHJAO6c&t=71s , though if you have sciatica the general back pain exercises can be too much https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APENtjQNG4A&t=13s Please only do what feels good and stay within your limits; remember that the key to stretching is listening to your body, backing off when you feel tension, approaching the tension gently and using the breath to encourage the body to let go and release tension; stay in your comfort zone

We are happy to advise you on your health matters.

Lin Bridgeford DO KFRP MICAK MICRA FSCCO MSc

Registered Osteopath & Kinesiologist & Senior Yoga Teacher

Master Hypnosis and NLP Practitioner

Aether Bios Clinic, Saltdean, 01273 309557 07710 227038

www.osteo-info.co.uk YouTube search Aether Bios OR Lin Bridgeford Instagram linbridgeford

Have you noticed rubbish around the village? Does it annoy you?

There is no official enforcement to combat this, which is most disappointing. The items found show that it is youths that are the chief culprits.

If you could spare the time to keep your part of the village litter free, I can supply some equipment on loan. Please contact Virginia Roberts on vfmroberts@gmail.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

CROSSWAYS COFFEE MORNING

Wednesday 6th September 10am - 12 noon at Christchurch, Horebeech Lane, Horam.

EVERYONE WILL BE MADE WECOME INCLUDING CHILDREN.

Meet with friends, make new friends and enjoy good coffee/tea and homemade cake. We meet the first Wednesday of every month, everybody is welcome.

We shall look forward to seeing all.

CHERRY TREE COURT WELCOMES YOU ALL

A warm welcome awaits you.

Every Monday we hold a bingo & raffle evening, join us from 6pm for a 6:30pm start.

Every Friday we gather for a coffee morning from 10:30am.

We look forward to seeing you!

Find us opposite Horam Chapel.

Heathfield Morning WI

We meet every 2nd Tuesday of the Month, 10am to 12pm at The Coffee Lounge, Union Church, Station Road, Heathfield, TN21 8LB

We are a new WI that meet in the morning and would like you to join us. Just come along, meet sociable ladies, do some activities, go on an outing and listen to some great speakers.

If you would like to find out more - you can email us at heathfieldmorningwi@gmail.com

HORAM AND HEATHFIELD FLOWER CLUB

Friendship through Flowers. We meet every second Thursday of the month excluding January. Doors open 7pm commencing at 7:30pm, Heathfield Community Centre, Sheep Setting Lane, Heathfield, TN21 OXG.

Tree Surgery Hedge Cutting Hedge Laying

Tel 01435 868836

Mobile 07885 950755

Company Established 25 yrs. Fully Insured. NCH ARB Approved - ARB Approved N.C.T.P Certified

We are very lucky to have such an amazing charity locally that cares for our wildlife. WRAS are always grateful for donations of towels, pillow slips, blankets and cat food. These items can be left at: Unit 8, The Shaw Barn, Whitesmith, BN8 6JD.

Why not visit their charity shop in Eastbourne? 01323 643111. Any animal in trouble call 0781 50 78234, for anything else call 01825 873003.

We believe that the most important people are your loved ones, and we would be honoured to look after them. We pride ourselves on providing compassionate, respectful and affordable funeral services - whatever your chosen funeral type.